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Development and Communications Director

Snow City Arts (SCA) inspires and educates children and youth in hospitals through the arts. SCA provides one-on-one and small group instruction in the visual arts, creative writing, theater, music, and media arts to patients at Rush University Children’s Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, and Children’s Hospital University of Illinois. SCA’s curricula in arts education are steeped in studio practices and work in tandem with the National Core Arts Standards and Common Core State Standards. Student workshops are assessed and documented in a customized database and an extensive portfolio archive. The SCA team includes a professional staff of 6; an artistic staff of 10 part-time teaching artists; and numerous interns and volunteers. SCA is a small but dedicated, efficient, and creative organization with broad reach.

The Development and Communications Director will report to the Executive Director, collaborate with the Program Director, and supervise the Development and Communications and Associate in pursuit of annual operating funds of $925,000 and growing as well as reserves. The Development and Communications Director will implement a recently-approved strategic plan including developing annual plans with an emphasis on strengthening support from individuals and launching a major gift program and expanding corporate sponsorship. The position also plans and produces an integrated annual appeal campaign; develops and implements specialized giving opportunities; manages current and developing new foundation support; and oversees the planning and execution of special events by the Development and Communications Associate. The position is responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s communications strategies including crafting external communications, developing and maintaining relationships with external marketing partners, facilitating relationships with community partners, and overseeing the day-to-day work of the Development and Communications Associate including social media platforms, website updates, and other avenues. The position works closely with board members and board-driven Marketing and Resource Development Committees.

Leadership and Planning

Strategy: Participate in the development, execution, and monitoring of SCA’s 3-year strategic plan.

Leadership: Work in tandem with the Executive Director to develop new opportunities and donor engagement to support programmatic growth.

Manage and oversee the work of the Development and Communications Associate including special events, social media and other marketing/communications, data management, donor acknowledgement, and Auxiliary Board efforts.

Assess and approve execution of donor and third-party-initiated fundraising events.

Collect, maintain, and analyze data from the Program Director, teaching artists, and external arts education industry sources to assist with solicitation.

Act as a staff liaison to the Board of Director’s Development Committee, Marketing Committee, and support annual event committees and the Auxiliary Board.

Support office administrative activities as necessary.

The ideal candidate should be able to work independently and as part of a cohesive team. Key skill sets include: ability to build multiple, individualized internal and external relationships; ability to plan, facilitate, and approach meetings with clearly defined goals; ability to work closely with people from various artistic and administrative backgrounds; excellent verbal and written communication skills; manage projects from conception through completion and evaluation; demonstrated ability to prioritize and solve problems; ability to foster and develop leadership skills in others; design engaging donor cultivation strategies; effectively coordinate and facilitate meetings for multiple attendees; and ability to create and implement integrated communications plans.

Requirements

Skills & Qualifications:

Qualifications for the position include:

Bachelor’s degree

Four or more years of progressive leadership as a dedicated fundraising professional, ideally with experience building a major gifts program within a small organization

Proven grant writing experience

Demonstrated experience managing event-planning teams

Passion for SCA’s mission and arts education

Exceptional computer skills; familiar with and able to adapt to new fundraising software

Self-motivation, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines

Some evening and weekend work is required

Ability and willingness to lift 25 pounds is preferred

Valid Driver’s License and access to insured vehicle is preferred

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and two short (no more than three pages each) fundraising or marketing-related writing samples (letter of inquiry, annual appeal letter, sponsorship request, etc.) to employment@snowcityarts.org by 5:00 pm on February 4, 2019 though the position will remain open until filled.

Snow City Arts is an equal opportunity employer. ALAANA-identified individuals are encouraged to apply.